Bland, Richard, 1710-1776

Richard Bland (May 6, 1710 – October 26, 1776), sometimes referred to as Richard Bland II or Richard Bland of Jordan's Point, was an American Founding Father, planter, and statesman from Virginia and a cousin of Thomas Jefferson. He served for many terms in the House of Burgesses, was a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1774 and 1775, and signed the Continental Association.

Born in Orange County, Virginia, Bland completed preparatory studies and attended the College of William and Mary before completing his education at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Bland served as a justice of the peace in Prince George County and was made a militia officer in 1739. In 1742, he was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, where he served successive terms until it was suppressed during the American Revolution. Bland's thoughtful work made him one of its leaders, although he was not a strong speaker. He frequently served on committees whose role was to negotiate or frame laws and treaties. Sometimes described as a bookish scholar as well as farmer, Bland read law and was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1746. He did not practice before the courts but collected legal documents and became known for his expertise in Virginia and British history and law.

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